I went and made my own; just use a word processing program (wordperfect, word, libreoffice (free)), etc.   I divided a std. 8.5 x 11 page into 4 parts, and in each I have a circle that represents the view through the eyepiece where you can sketch the object.  The text portions have fields for date, time, object, description, seeing conditions, telescope and eyepiece(s) used, your personal impressions (I think this one is really important!). -- and anything else that seems relevant or helpful.  If you're following an observing program (like the one from the Astronomical League), be sure it includes all the required information (I think I covered most of it here already).  The nice thing about this approach is you can 3-hole punch the sheets, keep them in a regular 3-ring binder, and take them out with you when you observe; you can keep the individual sheets on a standard clipboard when you are making notes or sketches.  This has helped me a lot in going through the Herschel 400 program for example.   Sketching what you see in the eyepiece also can help you become a better observer. My 2 cents.../Rich From: william baker via Utah-Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2015 12:36 PM Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Messier Logs This is a general questions to anyone, what is the best type of log (book, sheet, workbook) to use while keeping track of Messier objects. Bill _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".

Bill, I use a simple spreadsheet to log my observations. A sample with column headings only, is below. Date: Observed with: Location: Interesting notes: New to me Hit Object Type Con. Notes S&T Pocket chart # Sky Atlas chart # There are lots of ways to log your observations. The best way to figure out what works for you is to start with something organized and tweak it as you go. Every person seems to use a system unique to them. I use my "hit list" mainly to plan an observing session. In the days prior to observing, I make a plan in order of objects to observe. Then during the observing session, I check of those that I "hit" and make any interesting notes about the object. I have learned to leave ample space at the bottom of the page for extra observations, because I'll invariably go off plan and find other objects that are near my original targets. I have kept all my hit lists over the years; it is pretty fun to go back through the old logs. Happy hunting! Mat -----Original Message----- From: Utah-Astronomy [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of william baker via Utah-Astronomy Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 12:36 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Messier Logs This is a general questions to anyone, what is the best type of log (book, sheet, workbook) to use while keeping track of Messier objects. Bill _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". This message and any attachments are solely for the use of intended recipients. The information contained herein may include trade secrets, protected health or personal information, privileged or otherwise confidential information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or using such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not an intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you received this email in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this email and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please contact the sender and delete the message and any attachment from your system. Thank you for your cooperation